Minutes of Wortham & Burgate Parish Council Commons Committee meeting, held in Wortham Pavilion on Tuesday 6th February 2024 at 7:00pm.
- Councillors present
- Chris Williams, Jacky Bradley, Nick Castle, Liz Leeds, Richard Thornton, Jenny Piper, and Chris Grocott
- In attendance
- Jane Challis (Clerk)
- Chair’s welcome and to consider accepting apologies for absence – Cllr Williams welcomed everyone to the meeting. No apologies.
- To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed – None.
- To consider any dispensations from members in any item to be discussed – None.
- Adjourn the meeting to allow public participation – 7:01pm - no participation.
- Re-convene the meeting - 7.01pm
- To receive the Clerk’s report and any outstanding items/actions – nothing to report.
- To consider, discuss and agree to grazing/management of the common
There has been no interest from anyone in the grazing. Cllr Grocott said he felt hay making should be considered rather than topping the common again. There was a discussion on whether the hay would be good enough to be used given that there is ragwort. Cllr Thornton said he knows a contractor who would be able to cut and remove the hay. Although there would be no profit until the hay has been cut enough times to reduce the ragwort, it would negate the need to pay for topping. It was agreed for Cllr Thornton to speak to the contractor.
The pavements bordering the common have been cleared, as agreed at the 16th January Parish Council meeting, however the soil removed has been left on the verge rather than being levelled. Cllr Thorton said that whilst the contractor has done a brilliant job, it does need levelling. Cllr Bradley proposed approving expenditure up to £200 for this to be done. Seconded by Cllr Piper and approved unanimously. Cllr Grocott will arrange for the contractor to do the additional work, up to the expenditure approved.
- To consider, discuss and agree to Capital Works – Deferred.
- Drainage issues on Long Green – no updates further to the Parish Council meeting held on 16th January 2024, although it was agreed to monitor the ditch by the Village Hall. Cllr Grocott proposed recompensing Mr. Burgess’s son in law and grandson, who kindly cleared the drainage by the Village Hall in January, for their time and expenses. Seconded by Cllr Thornton and agreed unanimously. Clerk to action.
- To receive items from councillors - None
- To discuss any correspondence received - None
- To receive items for the next agenda – Capital works.
- Date and time of next meeting – To be confirmed.
- Meeting Close - 7.30pm